Breast Lift

Restore Youthful Perkiness with a Breast Lift

Many factors can contribute toward making breasts sag and lose their shape over time. Aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, fluctuating weight and gravity can all contribute to sagging breasts. If you feel unhappy with the position and shape of your breasts, consider a breast lift to restore them to their youthful perkiness.

At Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, Plastic Surgery, we believe all women should love their breasts. With a breast lift, also referred to as mastopexy, Dr. Dawes can dramatically reposition your breasts for an uplifted breast profile and lifelong results. Mastopexy can sometimes make breastfeeding difficult and results can be affected by pregnancy, so be sure that you are done having children before moving forward with a breast lift.

Is a Breast Lift Right for Me?

A breast lift procedure benefits women who have experienced sagging and would like to correct it. Good candidates for breast lift surgery are women who:

Feel unhappy about their breast shape and position

Have flattened or elongated breasts

Lack symmetry in the height of their breasts

Have nipples and areolas that point downward

Have stretched, enlarged areolas

Are in good health and healthy enough for surgery

Are non-smokers

Have realistic expectations about breast lift results

Can maintain a stable weight

Do not plan on breastfeeding or becoming pregnant in the future

If you experience any or most of the above symptoms, you are likely a good candidate for a breast lift. During an initial consultation, Dr. Dawes will evaluate your concerns and determine how a breast lift can restore your breasts to a more aesthetically-pleasing and uplifted position.

Since skin and tissue will be removed during the procedure, a breast lift will not increase volume. Many women go down about one cup size after their procedure. Breast augmentation is often performed alongside a breast lift and can complement the procedure for total breast enhancement. If you are interested in adding volume alongside a breast lift, let Dr. Dawes know during your initial consultation.

Incision Options

In order to change the shape and the position of the breasts, loose skin and excess tissue will need to be removed. Dr. Dawes will employ one of three different methods to do so. Prior to your surgery, he will go over each option with you, explaining their advantages and disadvantages, before offering his professional recommendation for optimal results.

The traditional breast lift procedure, also referred to as an anchor breast lift, requires three different incisions. Incisions are made around the outer lining of the nipple, vertically from the nipple to the fold of the breast, and along the fold of the breast in a crescent shape. This method allows for the most removal of tissue and benefits those who have a large amount of sagging.

The vertical breast lift, sometimes referred to as a lollipop breast lift, is better for patients requiring a moderate amount of skin and tissue removal. An incision is made both around the nipple and vertically from the nipple to the fold of the breast. This type of breast lift does not utilize a crescent incision beneath the breast.

Finally, the circumareolar or periareolar breast lift requires only one incision around the border of the nipple. This method provides the least amount of scarring since incisions are hidden in the natural texture of the areola tissue but allows for only minor skin removal and a subtle amount of lift.

While all patients want a procedure that produces minimal scarring, not every patient can take advantage of each option. Dr. Dawes will walk you through this important part of the decision-making process to ensure you receive your desired results in the best manner possible.

How a Breast Lift Is Performed

Dr. Dawes will begin the procedure by making the necessary incisions and beginning to remove excess skin. The internal tissue and shape of the breast will be adjusted to its new, higher position. If necessary, the areolas will also be trimmed to provide a more proportionate size to the breasts. Once all excess skin has been removed and the breasts have been successfully repositioned, the incisions will be closed.

Breast lift surgery is either performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. The surgery lasts about two to three hours but can last longer if a breast augmentation is also being performed. Patients can return home the day of their procedure but will need to take some time off to allow their body the chance to recover.

Recovery Expectations

Compression dressings and bandages will be used to minimize swelling and apply support as the breasts heal and settle into their new position. Surgical drains may also be placed in one or both breasts to remove excess fluids following the procedure. If you received surgical drains or stitches, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled a few days to a week after your surgery to remove them.

Side effects from a breast lift include swelling, soreness, bruising and a loss of sensation. Most side effects will gradually improve in the first few weeks but swelling may take several months to fully diminish. Plan on making adjustments to your daily routine, including how you sleep and shower, while your body heals. Dr. Dawes will provide specific instructions to guide you while you recover, ensuring your breasts heal appropriately.

Downtime can last about one week so expect to take some time off from work. If you have personal responsibilities that require your constant attention, such as taking care of children, make sure to arrange for help during the first couple of weeks following your surgery. You will need to avoid excessive upper body movement, chest pressure, heavy lifting and exercise for about four weeks, especially as your incisions continue to heal.

Results will be immediate and you will notice an improvement in the position of your breasts right away, although final results will take a few months to fully develop. Scars from the incisions will appear pink and lumpy at first but will continue to diminish over the course of two years, eventually becoming thin and white.

While gravity and forces outside of your control will continue to contribute toward future sagging, living a healthy lifestyle, exercising frequently and avoiding smoking will promote lifelong results from your breast lift.

Schedule Your Breast Lift Consultation Today

At Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, Plastic Surgery, we want you to be happy with your breasts. If your excessive sagging has made you unhappy with your breasts, let Dr. Dawes work with you to plan a breast lift procedure that will have you loving the way you look far into the future. Call us today at 403-571-3141 to schedule your consultation.